New Zealand is home to some of the most refined and happening venues that host mind-blowing gigs and shows, fostering the finest local acts, homegrown seasoned stars and international talents. So, ravers, get ready to dance and check out the most eclectic venues across New Zealand. If you’re a seasoned gig-goer, let us know your favorite venues in the comments.
The Mothership, Auckland
The Mothership in Auckland is open on Fridays and Saturdays to deliver the most electrifying performances. Known for its heavy club system, the 300-person capacity venue has hosted DJ Break, English producer-duo Mystic State, Australian electronic music DJ/producer ShockOne, DJ Jaycen A’mour, Trei, Kiwi musician P Digsss, and more this year alone! The Mothership also gave a platform to the city’s hottest and freshest talents at a House & Garage night, while also showcasing artists from indie and rock backgrounds. Prepare yourself for a killer night out every weekend!
Tickets for the gigs at The Mothership in Auckland are available at The Ticket Fairy.
Check out The Mothership website for more information
Find The Mothership on: Instagram
Studio The Venue, Auckland
Auckland’s Studio The Venue is among the premier venues for live music in New Zealand. As soon as you step into Studio The Venue, you will enter a world of captivating performances and music. It has different areas to host events – the downstairs area can accommodate 500 – 600 attendees, while the backstage area can be a spot of entertainment for 400 – 500 people. The full venue can house up to a thousand people! From Jyoty and Hernan Cattaneo to Flux Pavillion, Ferry Corsten, and Austin Millz, some of the most renowned DJs and acts from across New Zealand and all over the globe have landed on the Studio The Venue stage for intimate performances.
Visit the Studio The Venue website for more
Find Studio The Venue on: Instagram
Yonder, Queenstown
Get brunch, dine at and go drinking and dancing at Yonder in Queenstown, which is open from 8 AM – 2:30 AM from Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays, Yonder is open from 8 AM – 4 AM. The cafe and restaurant have daily happy hours from 4 PM – 6 PM and 9 PM – 11 PM. Get 20% off on tap beers and 20% off on all cocktails during this period. Turkish eggs, banoffee pie French toast, full yonder for brunch, beef brisket and chips, chicken schnitzel, dadinho de tapioca, and more for dinner are some of the delicious dishes at Yonder, along with a variety of cocktails.
Music from bands, DJs, and artists resounds throughout the venue from 9 PM onwards. You can dine in the fresh air, as outdoor seating is available at this venue. Yonder is a wonderful place to host private events and functions in their spaces – The Cottage, The Garden, The Main Room, Stagefront, and also the entire venue! For more information, contact the Yonder team. Yonder is the perfect space for a night out with bands, drinks, comedy, and live music.
Visit the Yonder website to learn more
Find Yonder on Instagram
Cassette Nine
Cassette Nine has been around for 15 years, bringing to Auckland a pulsating dancefloor with music blasting from its top-tier sound system and a light set-up that quickly puts you in a party mood. They host a variety of events, like Art & Bass – where they combine dubstep and DnB with live art, the Mad Tea Party and the recently held Afrobeats Night. You can arrive at Cassette Nine in the evening and dance until the wee hours. Do you feel like letting loose and dancing your heart out? Head to Cassette Nine for a delightful time! Check out their “Gig Guide” highlights on Instagram to be up-to-date with the events taking place at the venue. Cassette Nine is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Find Cassette Nine on: Instagram
The Jam Factory, Tauranga
Music aficionados! The Jam Factory welcomes you to experience music from bands and musicians from New Zealand and all over the world. The intimate performances at this Tauranga-based live music venue can accommodate 50-60 attendees. UK global folk duo Mishra, Auckland-based indie-rock/pop outfit Coast Arcade, singer-songwriter, guitarist, and percussionist Dave Alley, and more thrilling acts have descended on The Jam Factory in Tauranga.
Find The Jam Factory on: Instagram
Powerstation, Auckland
For over three decades, Powerstation has been a source of entertainment for revelers in Auckland. The renowned live music venue has opened its doors to established artists and rising stars alike. Located on 33 Mount Eden Road, iconic artists like hip-hop group Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Australian country music singer-songwriter Morgan Evans, English singer-songwriter Mimi Webb, London-based singer-songwriter and musician Jordan Rakei, rapper and singer 070 Shake, British alternative rock band Nothing But Thieves, and more have graced the Powerstation stage. With its cutting-edge sound system, whether it is a performance from a band, a DJ set, or international stars, you are bound to have an unforgettable experience. The venue’s acoustics are also highly lauded.
To learn more about this venue, head to the Powerstation website
Find Powerstation on: Instagram
Whammy Bar, Auckland
With talents on display from different genres such as rock, electronic, jazz, indie, punk and more, Whammy Bar has great vibes and unmatched energy. It is the go-to live music venue for any occasion – a night out with friends or a solo trip! Whammy’s light set-up only enhances your experience at this Auckland-based venue. Who knows? You might just discover a new artist you like! So, why wait? Get ready to show off your moves at Whammy!
Find Whammy Bar on: Instagram
Valhalla, Wellington
For metal and punk fans, Valhalla in Wellington is for you! As the artists take center stage, Valhalla creates an immersive experience for its attendees. Open from evening to night, your ears will be treated to impressive acts throughout the week, except for Monday and Tuesday. You will have an amazing experience here, whether you’re a tourist or a local.
Check out the Valhalla website
Find Valhalla on: Instagram
Empire Tavern, Auckland
Since 1985, the Empire Tavern has served as a place where people can make memories with music. They also offer happy hour deals every day from 4 PM – 7 PM with $20 jugs of Ginger Ale, Original Ale, Radler, Apple Cider, Great Divide Pale Ale, and Pilsner. They also serve $10 house wines and $20 steak meals during happy hour. Your musical experience will be made better by a mouth-watering gastronomical affair. Along with music, the venue also hosts quiz nights and screens matches and games.
You may learn more about the venue at the Empire Tavern website
Find Empire Tavern on: Instagram
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, Auckland
Located in the heart of Auckland, the Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12 PM to 9 PM and until late night on Fridays and Saturdays and offers outdoor seating, live music, and luscious meals. Over 100 people can attend standing gigs at this venue and dance to music coming from seasoned artists, groove to pulsating DJ sets, and discover new favorite bands. They also host special holiday celebrations like NYE parties, as well as comedy nights, quiz evenings, and so much more! There’s something for all visitors at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen.
Whether you’re catching up with someone while chugging craft beers or watching the Rugby World Cup final, you will leave wanting more of the energetic and warm venue and its welcoming staff. Feeling exhausted after a rough day at work? Head to this fantastic establishment and unwind with its wide selection of wines, which complement the delicious food on the menu. You can get Sweat Shop Brews ($9), Sweat Shop 1 liter jugs ($20), prosecco ($9), and Friday cocktails ($10) on Fridays at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen’s Happy Hour from 4 PM – 7 PM. Check out their Highlights on Instagram to keep up with the gigs and events taking place at the venue.
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen on: Instagram
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